Let me just start out saying, it’s HOT in Phoenix, AZ! And believe it or not even at temperatures above 110 degrees, there were some wonderful Reiki practitioners that came out to the monthly Animal Reiki share yesterday to work with the horses at Luv Shack Horse Rescue. The conditions that met us that day were a good reminder of being prepared for your environment and the importance of being able to stay present and focused when offering a treatment.
As we sat in the shade cooling off we talked about the difficulties of offering Reiki that day. The temperature, and resulting discomforts
(sweat, blowing dust, hot breeze, sticky flies, etc.) made it difficult to focus for very long on Reiki. Each of us expressed that we were not at our best, and found it difficult at times to stay grounded and focused in the Reiki. Our conversation was a good reminder of the importance of being prepared for the environment you are going to be in, as well as knowing when you’re personally not in the frame of mind to offer a Reiki treatment.
Here are a few things to consider when offering Reiki to animals if you will be outside or at a shelter/rescue.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Bring plenty of fluids if working in the heat.
- Take whatever time you need to center and focus your own thoughts and intentions for offering Reiki. Depending on distractions around you, it may be necessary to do this even during a treatment if you lose your focus.
- Be honest and compassionate with yourself. While Reiki works under any circumstance, if you find you are distracted and not able to focus, stop. Do not push or force yourself. Forcing Reiki does not work for you or the animal you are working with.
- Do not endanger your own health. Extreme heat or cold can quickly take its toll.
- It may be more appropriate and effective to give several short sessions, rather than push through one long session.
- If possible find appropriate shelter, etc. that you can move the animal into to offer the treatment. (Shade, a warm building, protection from wind, shelter from rain/snow, etc.)
- Be aware of the environmental effects on the animal you are working with. If they are showing signs of discomfort or distraction you can either find a better space to work in or simply stop the treatment. If you are overheating or too cold, it’s likely the animal is as well. And if the animal is not physically well they may be feeling the effects of the environment more than you. A Reiki Level II distance treatment may be a good option.
- If there are other animals nearby (i.e., in an open herd or pens/stalls/kennels) distractions from other animals are likely. In a herd a higher ranking member may come by, resulting in the animal you are working with to become agitated or walk away. In an open area another animal may become curious and disrupt your treatment. If the animals are in kennels, pens, or stalls, a nearby animal may disrupt the session. Simply be prepared for these events and if possible find an area to work where you will avoid these scenarios. I often have nearby animals gather close and partake of the Reiki all at the same time. You never know what wonderful experiences await you when working in an open area.
NOTE – A distance treatment is always a good option if you are a Reiki Level II or higher practitioner if the environment is not ideal for offering an in-person treatment.
By being aware of different possibilities you may encounter and preparing for them, you’ll find your Reiki experiences are more rewarding and fulfilling for both you and the animal.
In my work with horse rescues I see many cases of severe abuse and neglect. Stories that leave one wondering how anyone could think it right to treat any living thing the way they do. This week I had the opportunity to work with a beautiful, resilient mare named Valora. Her story is now a well publicized case in Phoenix, Arizona. The short version is that her original owner, who was also neglectful in her physical, mental and emotional care, was losing her home, couldn’t care for her, and gave her to a man. The man’s intent was to load her in his trailer, shoot her, and take her to a meat rendering plant for money. The mare refused to load and the man proceeded to beat her. Neighbors saw what was happening and called the police. They eventually contacted Luv Shack Horse Rescue who eagerly took her in. Unfortunately Valora took the brunt of his beating and will lose her right eye, has a severe concussion, several skull fractures, many bruises, and 20+ stitches in various places on her body. She will likely need surgery to repair some of her injuries.
I realized after working with her and reading the comments on Luv Shack’s Facebook page and the forums on the local TV stations covering the story, not only does she have much healing to do….but so do we. Much anger, disbelief, sadness, bewilderment, fear, and harsh judgment has been expressed in these outlets as well as personal conversations people have had as they hear of Valora’s story. I too am as guilty as some.
Within minutes, Jersey Girl was nuzzling me and nibbling on my clothes. Whisper kept a watchful eye but began to calm. A couple of times she stood between me and the foal, eventually relaxing enough to allow Jersey Girl close to me without too much concern. The whole time I simply filled the stall with love, safety and peace. Jersey became my shadow for the rest of the treatment. She allowed me to work on her in short spurts. Whisper allowed work from a distance at first, and eventually came over and leaned into my hands, soaking it all in.